Rhetorical Analysis Of President Kennedy's Speech

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President Kennedy opens his speech by establishing credibility, “For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forebears prescribed nearly a century and three-quarters ago.” He personalizes his speech in looking forward to the future while using the past as an example, adding that the same innovated views that our ancestors fought are still a concern around the globe and that our rights of man come from the hand of God, not the kindness of the state. Kennedy reminds his fellow Americans that we are the successors of the first revolt and that we must move forward as the new generation of Americans. The president emphasizes our human rights and encourages Americans to defend our freedom because it is a gift from God. Kennedy then exhorts, “Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and the success of liberty.” (19) President Kennedy pledges to veteran allies…show more content…
The loyalty, the belief, the strength that we each bring to this effort will guide America and to all those who serve it. The world will shine from the fire that we create. Kennedy encourages, if you are citizens of the world, or citizens of America, hold us to the same high standards as we hold for you. He then closes with “let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own.” (107) The most memorable thing to come from this speech was Kennedy’s most famous quote, which has resonated throughout the history of America, “And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.”
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